Tight at the top heading into El Clásico
Barça's Monday night victory against Valladolid has turned LaLiga almost on its head. with nine games remaining this season, the Blaugrana are a point off the top spot and have their fate in their own hands, with matches against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid taking on added importance.
The LaLiga table currently looks like this:
- Atletico Madrid: 66 points
- FC Barcelona: 65 points
- Real Madrid: 63 points
- Sevilla: 58 points
Two points between Barça and Real Madrid
One of the biggest games of the season is up next. El Clásico against Real Madrid will be held on Saturday, April 10, at 9pm CEST, with Barça travelling to the Alfredo Di Stéfano in Valdebebas.
Ronald Koeman's men will be out for revenge, as it was Real Madrid won the first encounter between the two sides at the Camp Nou earlier this season. At the time, Los Blancos moved six points clear of Barça.
Since then, a Barça side with a focus on youth has evolved and improved, climbing up the league table. The team come into this weekend's encounter two points ahead of the side in third.
Last season, FC Barcelona were leaders in the run-up to El Clásico in Madrid, but departed a point behind their rivals.
El Clásico has always been an even affair, and throughout history there have been 97 wins for Real Madrid and 96 for Barça in the fixture.
A packed schedule on the horizon
After the adrenaline rush of El Clásico and the Copa del Rey final against Athletic, Barça will have a midweek visit from Getafe (April 22, 9pm CEST), followed by an away trip to European spot contenders Villarreal on Matchday 32, held on April 25.
From there, a Wednesday night encounter sees Barça host Granada at the Camp Nou on April 28, travelling to play Valencia just days later.
Matchday 35 could prove decisive in the title chase. FC Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid, plus Real Madrid vs. Sevilla, could decide who becomes LaLiga champions for 2020/21.
The final sprint provides three fixtures to conclude the season, as Barça play Levante and Celta Vigo, then Eibar on the final day. There is plenty of room for twists and turns, but a win in El Clásico would give FC Barcelona a springboard to success.